Donato Giancola, The Hobbit: Expulsion, 2001, oil on panel, 37 x 71 in. Cover art for The Hobbit graphic novel illustrated by David Wenzel and published by Ballantine Books. Collection of the artist.
The Huntsville Museum of Art will present a fantastical exhibition of artwork by Donato Giancola. Exclusive to HMA, the exhibition features paintings and drawings of thematic subjects such as Game of Thrones, Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, and Dungeons & Dragons. Other works included in the exhibition were created to illustrate the covers and stories of recent fantasy novels.
Donato Giancola, Obi-wan Kenobi, 2008, oil on panel, 48 x 36 in., 56 x 42 in. framed. Courtesy of a private lender.
Donato Giancola is an American artist specializing in narrative realism with science fiction and fantasy content. Considered the most successful sci-fi and fantasy illustrator working today, he creates engaging paintings that bridge the worlds of contemporary and historical figurative arts. Giancola recognizes the significant cultural role played by visual art. He contributes to the expansion and appreciation of the narrative genre, teaching classes and appearing at conventions.
“I was delighted when Donato accepted my invitation to have another exhibition with us this year,” said HMA Executive Director Christopher Madkour. “His last show was in 2013, and I look forward to viewing his collection of recent works. Adventures in Imagination is a significant exhibition featuring over 70 works spanning a 30-year career. I know our members and guests will be in awe not only of the fantastical subject matter but also by the masterful skill of how they are painted.”
HMA will host an artist talk and reception featuring Giancola on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. Following Giancola’s presentation, the artist will join guests for an exclusive walk through the galleries while enjoying canapés and drinks. Tickets are $50 for Museum Members and $75 for Non-Members and can be purchased online here. Additional programming for this exhibition includes a Cosplay Night during $5 After 5 on Nov. 17. Guests can wear their favorite sci-fi and fantasy costumes as they view the exhibition, listen to thematic music by the Huntsville Symphony Ensemble and enjoy wine from Church Street Wine Shoppe.
Donato Giancola: Adventures in Imagination opens on Oct. 30 and will remain on display through Jan. 22. The exhibition will be housed in the Huth, Boeing, Salmon and Haws galleries and will be accessible with general museum admission. Admission can be purchased at the front desk in the lobby of the Museum or online here. The exhibition is made possible by presenting sponsor First Horizon Bank and lead sponsor Boeing. The Cosplay Night is sponsored by AL.com.